Timeline of Highlights
1980 - 1989
1982
RAY H. HUGHES SR. BEGINS SECOND PRESIDENCY
RAY H. HUGHES SR. BEGINS SECOND PRESIDENCY
1983
PAUL DANA WALKER ARENA DEDICATED
Walker Arena is an expansion of the original gymnasium which has occupied this location since the days of Bob Jones College. The building is named in memory of Paul Dana Walker (Class of 1978), a star basketball player who died tragically in an automobile accident on his way home from a Lee College Homecoming game in 1980. The arena is expanded again in 2005.
PAUL DANA WALKER ARENA DEDICATED
Walker Arena is an expansion of the original gymnasium which has occupied this location since the days of Bob Jones College. The building is named in memory of Paul Dana Walker (Class of 1978), a star basketball player who died tragically in an automobile accident on his way home from a Lee College Homecoming game in 1980. The arena is expanded again in 2005.
1984
R. LAMAR VEST BECOMES PRESIDENT
Church leader R. Lamar Vest is appointed President and serves for two years. He immediately works to strengthen the institution. Four months later, Vest appoints psychology professor Charles Paul Conn as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. During Vest’s presidency, Lee’s enrollment decline reverses and the institution begins to experience growth financially and academically. Within two years, enrollment increases from 960 to 1,214 students. Vest is re-appointed by the Board in 1986, but he is elected into another church leadership position at the General Assembly.
R. LAMAR VEST BECOMES PRESIDENT
Church leader R. Lamar Vest is appointed President and serves for two years. He immediately works to strengthen the institution. Four months later, Vest appoints psychology professor Charles Paul Conn as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. During Vest’s presidency, Lee’s enrollment decline reverses and the institution begins to experience growth financially and academically. Within two years, enrollment increases from 960 to 1,214 students. Vest is re-appointed by the Board in 1986, but he is elected into another church leadership position at the General Assembly.
1986
CHARLES PAUL CONN BECOMES PRESIDENT
Charles Paul Conn is appointed President and assembles an energetic team committed to Christ-centered, student-focused academic excellence. During his inaugural address, he proclaims: “We are trying to teach [students] that the greatest force in human history is produced by the fusion of man’s ability with God’s power. We want them to understand that the ultimate expression of the human experience is to train and prepare oneself with discipline and hard work, and then to submit oneself to the sovereignty of God to do as He wills with us. I want to teach them that the greatest power in the world is unleashed when the enormous energy of the human spirit is undergirded, channeled, and empowered by the hand of Almighty God.”
Within two years, Lee enrollment reaches more than 1,500 students. The school’s most significant advancements occurred during his leadership, including continued record enrollments (reaching more than 5,000 students), physical expansion to more than 120 acres and the additional of state-of-the-art facilities, development of academic programs and student services, and increased regional and national recognition.
Conn is the longest-serving President in Lee’s history, serving for 34 years, before assuming the role of University Chancellor in 2020.
CHARLES PAUL CONN BECOMES PRESIDENT
Charles Paul Conn is appointed President and assembles an energetic team committed to Christ-centered, student-focused academic excellence. During his inaugural address, he proclaims: “We are trying to teach [students] that the greatest force in human history is produced by the fusion of man’s ability with God’s power. We want them to understand that the ultimate expression of the human experience is to train and prepare oneself with discipline and hard work, and then to submit oneself to the sovereignty of God to do as He wills with us. I want to teach them that the greatest power in the world is unleashed when the enormous energy of the human spirit is undergirded, channeled, and empowered by the hand of Almighty God.”
Within two years, Lee enrollment reaches more than 1,500 students. The school’s most significant advancements occurred during his leadership, including continued record enrollments (reaching more than 5,000 students), physical expansion to more than 120 acres and the additional of state-of-the-art facilities, development of academic programs and student services, and increased regional and national recognition.
Conn is the longest-serving President in Lee’s history, serving for 34 years, before assuming the role of University Chancellor in 2020.
1987
CAMPUS EXPANSION BEGINS WITH VEST BUILDING RENOVATION
President Conn surveys needs and begins the first project in what will become a period of significant physical expansion and campus development. The Vest Building, first built by Bob Jones College, was used by Lee College as an administration building and library from 1948 until 1984, when it was condemned by the city. In 1987, the building is completely renovated into a classroom and office space.
CAMPUS EXPANSION BEGINS WITH VEST BUILDING RENOVATION
President Conn surveys needs and begins the first project in what will become a period of significant physical expansion and campus development. The Vest Building, first built by Bob Jones College, was used by Lee College as an administration building and library from 1948 until 1984, when it was condemned by the city. In 1987, the building is completely renovated into a classroom and office space.
1988
CAMPUS EXPANSION CONTINUES WITH CHURCH STREET CLOSURE
The Sharp Pedestrian Mall is developed from 11th to 13th Street, and the 13th to 15th Street portion is added in 1990. It converts a city street into a strolling walkway of over 10,000 plants, underground utilities, benches and terraces.
CAMPUS EXPANSION CONTINUES WITH CHURCH STREET CLOSURE
The Sharp Pedestrian Mall is developed from 11th to 13th Street, and the 13th to 15th Street portion is added in 1990. It converts a city street into a strolling walkway of over 10,000 plants, underground utilities, benches and terraces.
